Thursday, September 22, 2016

Timberwolf Trail - Week 2 - 2016-17 Edition

With the rain coming down for what seems like forever and the future forecast looking even wetter, it was great to see the precipitation take a break so we could enjoy some nature kindergarten today,

Equipped with raincoats and boots, the class might have found a few puddles to explore before heading to the trail to discover trees. We started our focus identifying some differences between "leaf dropping" deciduous trees and "leaf staying" coniferous ones. Though our land almost all of the leaf-dropping variety, we were able to trek around and find some evergreens.

After our tree walk led us to the oak tree classroom, we reviewed story elements by discussing a "silly story" we co-created together yesterday. Basically, the kids provide the characters, setting, problem, and solution, and I write a story that they then illustrate. Our story involved a gingerbread slumber party, an elephant getting caught in a volcano, and Disney's Elsa saving the day. If you want the full story, I'd be more than happy to provide.

It was then off to the natural play area to review counting with this year's second round of Stick Champion. After a return to the grass class to distribute snacks, the class had some free exploration time before gathering up sticks from the "hidden forest" and using those sticks to create letters.

We then reviewed some important parts of trees with our Leaves, Branches, Trunks, & Roots song sung to the tune of Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes. Zooming in on leaves, we searched for trees already showing signs of Autumn and briefly chatted about photosynthesis and how leaves help a tree eat.

As usual, we made sure to get some natural play time in. Though the rock pile was an early favorite, the children also enjoy hiding in the tall grass and goldenrod when they see me coming and counting critter holes.